Fernando Blasco, Product Manager of the KÖLLA Group

“There will be a significant shortage of clementine’s”

The globally networked KÖLLA Group is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and offers a wide range of fruit and vegetables. In an interview with Fernando Blasco, he tells us about the current state of the upcoming citrus season, among other things.

Losses with lemons, better qualities with oranges

“For lemons, we estimate that we will have a loss of about 20% with Primofiori, which is offered from October to March/April, and a minus of 40% with the Verna variety, which is offered from March onwards,” says Blasco. “Our oranges this year are showing better qualities and calibre than last year, although we will have less produce up to January 2022 compared to last year. From February 2022 onwards, there will be a little more again, although we don’t expect there to be any shortages.”

Up to 40% fewer Clementine’s

The “hottest topic” will be Clementine’s, according to Blasco. “There will be significant shortages of Clementine’s. From the end of October to the end of December, we have to be prepared for a shortfall of up to 40% in Clemenules in the main area of Castellón/Tarragona. At the beginning of the season there will also be a reduced harvest of Marisol, because this variety is slowly being replaced by other varieties,” says Blasco.

“Normal” quantities of mandarins, higher demand for satsumas

In contrast, production of mandarins seems normal. Blasco: “Quantities should be sufficient. However, it is too early to make accurate forecasts – a lot can still happen. Due to the lack of Clementine’s, we expect a stronger demand for Satsumas. You can already see that now, especially with the enquiries from Scandinavia and the UK. The prices are just firmer.”

Rising prices

According to Blasco, the price level will not be comparable to that of the last 2 years. For example, the price of Clementine’s will increase by €0.10-0.15/kg compared to last year, while mandarin prices should be similar to last season. For satsumas, the KÖLLA Group expects a concrete quantity to be offered. Blasco: ” Programmes are already being closed now with a price drop of 0.80 € to 1.00 € per kg, depending on calibre and grading. No programmes will run below that this year.

Scarce capacities

“The KÖLLA Group is very well positioned in terms of logistics,” says Blasco. “Each of our offices has its own logistics team and we also work very closely with our subsidiary Top Line Logistics. KÖLLA has also been short on capacity, but we always find solutions through close communication across locations.”

Sustainability is a top priority in the KÖLLA Group, which is also evident in the way the packaging used is handled. “The trend is clearly moving in the direction of avoiding plastic and using sustainable packaging. For example, we have been offering and supplying citrus fruits in compostable cellulose nets for more than two years. Plastic nets are only used at the customer’s request. Furthermore, we pack loose goods primarily in cardboard or wood.

Interview aus freshplaza

Autor: Jonny Diep